The Cheapest Ways to Build a Wood Shed

Tyler LacomaUpdated February 21, 2017

Wood sheds help you keep gardening and landscaping tools safe and separate from much-needed space in your garage. Larger sheds can also be used as nurseries or greenhouses, with the right additions. The problem is building the shed itself. Not only do you need the right piece of land, but you also have to account for the costs of all materials and labour. Wood sheds can be cost effective, but you need to plan carefully before you start building.

Cheap Materials

Fortunately, wood is one of the least expensive building materials available, which makes your choice easy. Try picking a type of wood that works best in your climate. Cedar, for instance, can be more expensive than pine but stands up against pests more easily. Treated wood is pricier, but will resist corrosion and bad weather the best. Balance out the cost of the wood with long-term efficiency.

Kits

Look for a shed-building kit. Many kits makes use of materials other than wood, such as vinyl or steel, but there are other kinds as well. If nothing else, buy a tool kit that includes all the major tools and supplies you will need to piece together the shed itself. You may want to consider buying a framework kit and constructing your own wooden panels to attach to the framework.

Focus on the Foundation

The foundation is a very important part of your shed, and you have two choices: wood or concrete. Concrete is more expensive and takes more time to pour, but comes with distinct advantages. A concrete foundation will help protect the shed from invasion by pests, problems with moisture and bad weather, which means your long-term maintenance costs will be lower. Upfront, a simple wood foundation is cheaper.

Prepare for Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are some of the most expensive parts of the shed. If you can, skip building windows entirely (this is not likely, if you are planning on using the shed for growing plants. When it comes to the door, look for an old door you can recycle or consider making your own door to fit in the frame. This will not keep pests out the same way a real door would, but it is cost effective.

Lacoma, Tyler. "The Cheapest Ways to Build a Wood Shed" last modified May 13, 2017. http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_7392529_cheapest-ways-build-wood-shed.html

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About the Author

Tyler Lacoma has worked as a writer and editor for several years after graduating from George Fox University with a degree in business management and writing/literature. He works on business and technology topics for clients such as Obsessable, EBSCO, Drop.io, The TAC Group, Anaxos, Dynamic Page Solutions and others, specializing in ecology, marketing and modern trends.